Course details
Year of entry
2026
Duration
5 Months
Institution Code
G53
Location
Blended Learning
Why choose this course?
An Introduction to Motivational Interviewing is a 20-credit postgraduate module designed and led by Dr Maddy Nicholson, Principal Lecturer and Member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).
Both Dr Nicholsons clinical experience and research activity have found that both patients and healthcare staff value Motivational Interviewing (MI). MI is a compassionate way of collaborating with people in conversations about their health.
A local Advanced practice Occupational Therapist articulated part of the value of the MI module as “Exploring how to have quality conversations”
This aim of this carefully considered and research informed MI module is to provide a quality, transformative, reflective learning experience that provides you, the healthcare practitioner/medic, with the skills and mindset required to guide and support people in their change and growth.
Upon completion of the module, we hope to have fostered a collaborative learning community to support your sustained MI practice into the future.
This module allows you to explore MI both at your own pace in your own context, supported by our virtual learning environment, and in person at Wrexham University campus.
Wrexham University has access to simulation suites to support your learning, such as the “Ty Dysgu” house and outpatient hospital department. The opportunity for feedback and discussion with Dr Nicholson can be provided to enhance your learning.
This module is credit bearing, meaning that it has formal academic value, which can count towards the total needed to achieve higher education qualification, such as Advanced Clinical Practice Masters.
.jpeg)
Do you live in wales?
If you are living in Wales you may be able to join one of our short courses for free, click below to find out more.
Learn moreKey course features
- Led and designed by Dr Nicholson, a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT); MINT’s foundational values being quality, generosity, openness and respect
- Learning approaches informed by teaching expertise and the generosity of MINT members. This includes experiential and reflective learning in a community of practice
- Opportunity to use simulated environments such as Wrexham’s house “Ty Dysgu” and outpatient wards for formative and summative assessment and feedback
- Access to MI expertise (MINT member) for five months to supporting learning, growth and establishing MI practice that can be sustained in your individual practice context
What you will study
- The syllabus is designed to develop an appreciation of MI and allow students to experience the mind-set and skills used in the practise of MI. Students will explore why, how and when MI might be used and put the skills into immediate practise.
- Students will engage in discussions about their own experiences working with people who may wish to explore change and growth and will reflect on the use of MI in real-world scenarios.
- Students will participate in real and role play, creating an immersive and interactive supportive learning environment. Students will receive clear, respectful and actionable feedback on their skills.
- Asynchronous content will guide students on their MI journey, with a three-day block of face-to-face synchronous content two weeks after the start of the module. Roughly five weeks later there is a further half day of synchronous content.
Entry requirements & applying
Registered nurse, allied health professional, pharmacist or medic.
Teaching & Assessment
How students are taught:
- Use of real play to allow for deeper experiencing of MI by emotive learning
- Modelling the mind-set of MI to allow for experiencing MI and MI spirit
- Use of role play to practise micro skills.
- Use of technology such as videos, generative AI/simulation/VR, Padlet, Menti.com and Wordcloud to enhance learning engagement by gradually introducing group work, making learners feel comfortable to practise and interact
- Options for authentic reflective practice – including but not exhaustive, the use of blogs, panopto videos, reflective journalling, art and poetry to prompt authentic reflective practice during MI implementation to inform summative portfolios
- Have the module facilitated by a Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers member who upholds the values of quality, openness, generosity and respect. In this sense students should expect professionalism, curiosity, humility, reflectiveness, collaboration, kindness, and listening communication from the module facilitator
- Individual reflection, small group work, large group discussion
- Use of research, theory and patient and practitioner quotes
- Creation of a learning community and future MI network invitation
Student engagement expectation:
There are 179 hours guided independent study associated with this module and 21 hours of synchronous taught content. This means that 3.5 days are spent on Wrexham campus at a set time (three-day block and a further half day five weeks later); the other 179 hours are undertaken at a time of the students choosing.
The 179 hours will be undertaken by engaging with asynchronous content in the two weeks before the first three-day block to prepare for the face-to-face sessions. After the three day-block and the half day follow up, the guided independent study hours will be utilised by implementing MI in practice and reflecting on this, guided by Moodle content. These hours also enable preparation for submission of the assessment portfolio and practical exam.
How students are assessed:
- Practical simulation - students will undertake a role/real play scenario where the aim is to talk with someone about change and growth to strengthen the person’s own commitment and motivation. The students will be assessed on their MI adherent practice. 20-minute sample of practice.
- Portfolio - students will complete a portfolio which will include critical reflection throughout their practising of MI and an MI implementation plan. Equivalent of 3000 words.